The australian terrier or Australian terrier, is a small but robust dog, very similar to the Yorkshire terrier and the Australian silky terrier or terreir australian silky. This dog comes from the Australian island of Tasmania, has a determined character and is much calmer and less barking than other terrier dogs, although if this bad behavior is encouraged, it can become a dog that barks excessively.
Due to their size and the little physical activity they need, these dogs are excellent pets for slightly older children, as they can live perfectly in a small house or flat and are very familiar with their own. If you want to adopt an Australian terrier and you don't know anything about this breed, don't miss this file on our site where we will explain everything you need to know.
Origin of the Australian Terrier
This terrier was born on the Australian island of Tasmania, from crosses between different terrier dogs that had been brought from Europe. Breeds thought to have given rise to the Australian terrier include: Dandie Dinmont terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Skye terrier, and Manchester terrier. The mixture of so many breeds gave rise to good genetics that could explain the infrequency of hereditary diseases in this breed. Another plausible explanation is the intense natural selection to which the Australian terrier was subjected from its origins, since the Australian rural environment is harsh and hostile.
Be that as it may, the result of the crosses gave rise to a small but tough and resistant dog, capable of hunting rodents and snakes, and of sounding the alarm in the presence of strangers. Despite that, the character that remained in this terrier is more stable and calm than in other dogs in the group. Today the Australian terrier is mainly a companion dog, much appreciated in Australia but also known in different parts of the world.
Physical Characteristics of the Australian Terrier
These dogs have a small but stocky body for their size. Longer than it is tall, the Australian terrier has a rectangular build. The ideal height at the withers for males is 25 centimeters, while females are slightly smaller. The ideal weight for males is 6.5 kilograms, with females being proportionally lighter. As stated in the FCI breed standard, the Australian Terrier is "a stocky dog, short-legged and elongated in proportion to height".
This dog's head is moderately broad with a flattened cranial vault. The nose, black, is medium and extends to the nasal bridge. The muzzle is strong for such a small dog and is the same length as the skull. The eyes have a cunning expression, and are small, oval and dark brown. The ears are small, erect and pointed. The Australian terrier's tail is set high and is usually raised, but not over the back. Unfortunately, the FCI breed standard indicates that the tail must be docked, promoting ancient practices that do not take into account the welfare of the animals.
These terriers have a double layered coat. The outer layer of hair is straight, coarse and moderately long. The undercoat is short and smooth. The colors accepted in this breed are: blue and tan, blue-steel and tan, blue-gray and tan, sand or red.
Australian Terrier Character
This dog is essentially a working terrier and thus has a brave and determined temperament. However, he is more stable and calm than most other terriers and therefore also makes an excellent companion dog.
The Australian Terrier needs a lot of company from his family, but tends to be reserved with strangers. He can also be aggressive with dogs of the same sex and with small animals, but he is not as prone to aggression as other terrier breeds. In any case, it is important to socialize the dog since he is a puppy with people, with dogs and with other animals, from an early age.
Although the breed was developed primarily to hunt small game, the Australian Terrier is very versatile and can make an excellent pet, but not particularly for very young children, as children can mistreat the dog and the dog can defend itself by biting. However, it is an excellent pet for older children who know how to respect the dog.
Australian terrier care
Coat care is easier than in other dog breeds, and it does not require as much time. In general, brushing twice a week and manual removal of dead hair (stripping) two or three times a year is enough. Also, when the coat is cared for regularly, these dogs do not lose much hair. It is not necessary or he althy to bathe these dogs very often and should only be done when they are really dirty.
The Australian terrier does not require much exercise and a moderate walk every day is enough to keep it fit. On the other hand, he does require a lot of company, so daily playtime, in addition to time spent on dog training and other routine activities, can help exercise the dog while also strengthening the bond with his owner. These dogs adapt well to life in flats, but they can be barkers. In any case, they are dogs that need a lot of company and must live indoors with the rest of the family.
Australian terrier education
On the other hand, he is one of the easiest terriers to train, as he is not as hyperactive as others in the group. However, it is important to train him based on positive methods, since he is a sensitive dog and responds poorly to traditional training, like all animals.
Common behavior problems in this breed include excessive barking, a tendency to dig in the yard, and occasionally aggression toward dogs and other pets. These problems can be prevented by giving dogs the opportunity to exercise, enough company, proper socialization, and proper training.
Australian Terrier He alth
The Australian Terrier is among the he althiest of dogs and is not prone to major hereditary diseases. However, occasionally ailments have been detected such as:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- patellar luxation
- diabetes
- flea allergy
- cryptorchidism
